This spring, discover Coventry’s brightest new creatives and performers at the city’s festival for early career artists. Shoot Festival will feature performances, exhibitions, music and outdoor experiences at venues across Coventry. So, you can catch the blossoming talent of these artists before they hit the big time.
Artists In Bloom
There’ll be an In Bloom strand of events that features artists from past festivals. New art, theatre and music has been commissioned for this special showcase. From 23rd April to 7th May an exhibition by Michael Snodgrass explores isolation and vulnerability with a large-scale work inspired by Grimm’s Pied Piper. And from 27th to 29th April, music and theatre pieces covering a range of topics and genres will be performed in a fresh style. They’ll take on the subjects of gambling addiction and historical Nigerian feminism, and reimagine traditional sounds.
Music and theatre at Shoot Festival
Meanwhile, on Saturday 23rd April a free programme of music, theatre and art will provide a platform for some of Coventry’s brightest new artists. Over on the Bull Yard Sound Stage there’ll be a mix of new alt-pop, folk and electronic music from bands and solo artists. Catch upcoming rock and blues artist Jack Blackman, 1980s-inspired pop artist Abz Winter (BBC CWR Artist of the Month) and singer-songwriter Izzie Derry. Alongside these, hear bands including introspective Bar Pandora, neo-psych jazz ensemble The Mintakaa Collective and afro-fusion group Mvskfxce.
Over at the Shop Front Theatre on the same day, there’ll be a full programme of comedy, storytelling and theatre for families and adult audiences. It starts with the sensory Woodland Wanderers for youngsters and continues with autobiographical work covering topics such as neurodivergence and the education system. A spoken word piece will tackle Nigerian faith and identity while a technology-based performance will examine the queer experience.
Plus, over the full festival run there’ll be a series of exhibitions using different media and methods that aim to provoke thoughts and inspire our imaginations. There’ll be a celebration of Coventry’s post-war recovery, introspective expressionistic pieces, and memory-evoking work using textiles and art that is based in everyday domestic life.
Amongst all of this, a Naughty Flock of Sheep will be roaming Coventry city centre. Escaped from their farm and on the run, they’ll be trying to evade the farmer’s sheep dog, Courthoys. Hang on to your hats, umbrellas, pushchairs, and even your food!
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When: 23rd April – 7th May 2022
Where: At venues across Coventry
£: There’s a mix of ticketed and free events to enjoy
More info: coventryshootfestival.com